Just returned 12/4

[tacobelle32]

We had a wonderful time at WDW this trip.We arrived at WDW 11/25 and returned to rotten weather in NY on 12/4(such is life!)
We were 8 people:
2 DH
2 DW
2 DS-7 years old
1 DS-15 years old
1 DD-15 years old
We stayed at All Star Movie in Herbie.We requested Toy Story but it was not availbale the day we checked in. They did offer us Toy Story availble for the following day but we really fell in love with Herbie.Our rooms overlooked the courtyard leading to the Fantasia pool.
We stayed until Friday after Thanksgiving.The weather was fantastic and the kids were able to get some swimming in.We met so many ex-NY'rs there.One of the ladies in the gift shop came from my home town!
On Friday we checked out and the two families seperated. My own family of four-DH,me,DS-15 and DS-7 went to our time share at Orange Lake and our Cousins went to a timeshare they bought from a DVC owner and stayed at the WL.
Now I love my timeshare at Orange Lake and they did a fantastic job of decorating for Christmas all over the property but WL just simply took my breath away. It was the most visually beautiful lobby I have ever seen anywhere.The holiday decorations were stunning-I could not get enough of the beautiful eye candy!
On the other hand I also need to mention that we explored a bit of the other Disney hotels:
Contemporary-Very understated(and I am being kind)
Polynesian-pretty but too tropical for this NY'er!
All Star Movie-Cute but did not make me yearn for the holidays!
Boardwalk (outside only) Promising-wish I had a chance to see the lobby
Never got to the Grand Floridian
Parks:
MGM-not impressed. The tree was outside the gate almost as if they needed a quick place to set it up and could not find it a home inside the park.
AK-Also outside the gate but when we arrived there were at least 6 different characters out greeting the guests in their holiday garb including Santa Goofy and you immediately felt warm and welcome.
Epcot-What can I say-Truely spectacular,incredible,fantastic,vivid,wonderful!
From the tree lighting at the entrance to the World Showcase to the Candlelight Processional and Celebrity Narrator(Ben Vereen) to the Illuminations fireworks at the end of that incredible night-there was no doubt about what time of year we were celebrating!
MK-We bought tickets to the MVMCP the night after the Epcot visit and we felt that MK could not compete with what we had seen that night in Epcot.
WRONG!!!!
A magical ,magical and did I say Magical Night?From beging to end it was one incredible christmas celebration after another.Money very well spent!
My only complaint that night was our PS for LTT.I did not enjoy it there and our server was not attentive.But I was the only one in my little party of 8 who felt that way so that was good.What saved the dinner was my cousin suprised me by having the staff embarrass me with a song and cake for my birthday!
There are many other memories I have of my trip and I wanted to share some with you.
For all who have yet to go-I wish you could have as wonderful a vacation as we all had with memories to treasure for a lifetime.
Happy Holidays!

 

[pomcoach]

Wow, It sounds so absolutely beautiful! It is hard to wait for next year. I wanted so, to go this year, but cannot because of bills, bills, and more oldest daughter's college bills! We are planning a Christmas 2004 visit. We've never visited at Christmas. I do so appreciate you describing the decorations! To some people, I suppose it isn't important. But to you and I, it is eye candy and magical, as you said. Well, your descriptions will have to fill my dreams until we can go see it for ourselves. Thanks so much for sharing!
Pomcoach

 

[tacobelle32]

Have no fear pomcoach,your time will come soon enough-although I must say I know EXACTLY how you feel. We planned this trip for just over two years and at times it was torture!
We had never been to Disney for Christmas either so everything we saw was a new experience for us.
My cousin and I were the planners and our focus was on the holiday decorations. Our families were along for the ride!(and they didn't complain one bit!)
Where do you think you will be staying?
I have to say that the planning was almost as enjoyable as the trip. We really had alot of fun-especially using the online Disney sites.
Sadly,we wont be going back until 2005 so this time next year I'll be looking at you trip reports with a bit of envy!
Have a wonderful Holiday season and happy planning!

 

[pomcoach]

We are planning on Christmas 2004 at WDW, probably leaving just as soon as school is out, since I can't leave quicker, because I teach Kindergarten. I know it will be terribly crowded, but I will keep in mind that we're there to see WDW at Christmas.
I'm sure we will bid on Priceline for a hotel, because the savings is so tremendous! I think this time we'll bid for the Resort star level, which usually comes in somewhere between $59 and $85. With Priceline we never really know which hotel we'll get, but the reviews of all the Resorts that have came up, so far, sound very good to us.
We have stayed at the Polynesian before, and although it was pretty, I just felt sick spending over $200 a night. I don't remember the exact amount, but I know it was over $200. I don't mind staying off property if the savings is so fantastic. Besides, my husband always must rent a car. That's just the way he is.
Just in case you are ever interested in bidding on Priceline, there's a website that teaches you how to do it well, and really save. It's www.biddingfortravel.com I love it. And even if you have no intention of ever bidding, it's fun reading about the great bargains everyone gets.
Well, take care, and thanks so much for sharing your Christmas visit to Disney!
Pomcoach